Netflix’s newest title Enola Holmes 2 has finally arrived. There are so many characters in the series. We take a look to see if Sarah Chapman is a real person.
*WARNING: Spoilers for Enola Homes 2*
First embodying the role of Sherlock Holme’s sister in the 2020 film Enola Holmes, Brown reprises the character once again. Enola is determined to create her own detective agency and takes on the case a missing girl.
Touching upon the 1888 matchgirl’s strike, the film includes an array of new characters including the character Sarah Chapman. Chapman, played by Hannah Dodd, a 27-year old actress, is portrayed in the film. Fans are most interested in this match girl, out of all the new characters.
This begs the question: Is Sarah Chapman really real?
Was Sarah Chapman really a person?
Yes, Sarah Chapman is a real person. important figureIn the Matchgirls Strike. Sarah was born October 31st 1862. Her leadership skills in the Revolutionary War are well-known. 1888 Bryant & May Matchgirls’ Strike, she is recognized as a pioneer of workplace equality and women’s rights in Britain. She was the seventh child of Samuel Chapman, Sarah Ann Mackenzie’s seven children. Her father worked as a brewer’s servant.
Chapman spent her childhood working as a matchmaking machine operator alongside her mother and older sibling. She eventually got a better-paying job.
It was not an easy decision to boycott their employers. Workers organized a strike in protest of the poor working conditions that left women vulnerable to unsafe health conditions. Chapman stood up for other workers, and met with a variety of women to secure their fates.
It was, in fact, an unfair dismissal that led to the strike. Around 1500 workers, including women and children, marched out of the factory on July 18, 1888. The strike was the first successful strike for unskilled workers in London, kicking off an inspirational wave called “New Unionism“. Without her efforts, the working conditions of the workers wouldn’t have improved.
Differences between historical events and the film
The film is clearly free to take many artistic liberties when it comes to the historical influences that it draws upon. Chapman is not seen in the film. The film’s captivating mystery is revealed when Enola is introduced to the strike organization.
While the events of real life may not seem as mysterious, they are still fascinating. The Netflix movie left out important people. Annie Besant played a significant role in Chapman’s life. Even though she is not featured in the film, Besant is an historical figure that deserves to be remembered for publishing the article that led to the strike action.
Also, who plays Sarah Chapman on Enola Holmes 2, cast?